Knowledge audit for senior tourism standards in Northern Thailand

Abstract

© 2015, Canadian Center of Science and Education. All rights reserved. Thailand is a major tourist destination that attracts thousands of national and international tourists each year. Of these many visitors, the number of Thai and international senior tourists visiting various attractions in Thailand is also steadily increasing. Many tourist destinations lie in the Northern Thailand area, but few of these are prepared to serve the specific needs of senior tourists. The objective of this study is to audit important knowledge regarding senior tourist standards in Northern Thailand. This paper uses a Knowledge Management Assessment Tool (KMAT) to conduct a knowledge audit of senior tourist needs and behaviors. The "5 A Criteria" was then developed to evaluate the potential for meeting senior tourism standards of 14 popular tourist attractions in Northern Thailand, specifically focusing on Accessibility, Amenities, Advisory, Atmosphere, and Activities. The results found that the Night Safari, Royal Flora Ratchaphruek Gardens, and Phra Sing temple are attractions with the greatest potential for catering to senior tourism in Northern Thailand.